Web Entry System

How does the system work?

The web entry system is a website system, which has two parts. One part is the bit competitors see, and the other part is the management part, which is only accessible to organisers with the correct username and password.

The web entry system does not need any software to be installed on anyone's PC, and can be used from anywhere in the world which has internet access. All you need is a web browser.

Will my competitors use the system?

Definitely. Even when an event uses the system for the first time, you can expect about two thirds of the entries to come via the Internet. Once competitors get used to the system, you can see as many as nine out of ten enties coming via the internet, and only a tiny handful still using the paper forms.

Do I need to know anything about computers?

Not really. Providing you know how to browse the web, you'll be okay. If you've ever ordered anything over the web, it's no more difficult than that.

Who else uses the system?

The system is used by around 70 events per year, with 5 out of 6 rounds of the British Rally Championship using it, and other events at all levels from International to Clubman. It is suitable for Multi-Venue and Single-Venue Stage Rallies, Road Rallies, Historic events and even non-competitive events like Historic Runs.

How do competitors pay?

Competitors can either pay through Paypal, using a Credit or Debit card, they can send money direct to your club/event bank account, or they can send a cheque direct to the Entries Secretary. It's up to you which options you advertise to your competitors. If you choose to offer the Paypal system, you can optioally choose to add a surcharge to the amounts due to cover Paypal's charges.

Do I need to have a website to use the Web Entry System?

No. The system can run quite happily by itself, and will provide the event with a mini website which just contains the online entry form and the unseeded and seeded entry lists. You could also put other documents on this site if you wished.

We already have a club website. Can the Web Entry System be put on our site?

The Web Entry System can be designed to look like part of your club or event website, although it actually runs on the rallies.info web server. To see this in operation, have a look at grizedale.rallies.info, which is the Web Entry System, and compare it with www.grizedalestages.co.uk, which is the event's own website.

Can anyone use the administration part?

When the system is first set up, you will be provided with a username and password for the private part. Anyone you choose to tell these to can use the private part. No-one else will be able to access it.

Can I access the data held in the Web Entry System?

Yes. There is an option to download all the data held in a CSV format which Microsoft Excel and other spreadsheets can open directly.

Is the system reliable and secure?

The system has been used by numerous clubs for their events for many years, and is reliable. The server it runs on is housed in a secure server room in London Docklands, and is backed up daily to a remote server.

What if the system doesn't do what I need it to?

Most changes necessary to personalise the system for each event are part of the setup of the system, but if there is something you still don't like, I will be happy to consider adding it to the system. If it's something others may need, I will be happy to make it part of the standard system. If it's just for you, there may be an additional charge.

Can I try the system to see what it does?

Certainly. If you send me an e-mail to let me know you're interested, I can set up a demo system for you to play with. If you like it, you just carry on and use it. If you don't, I'll just delete it, and you won't owe anything. Hardly anyone gets a demo system and doesn't use it for real though!

How much does the Web Entry System cost?

The cost is just 75p plus VAT per entry. There is no setup charge, and no minimum charge. When the costs are being worked out, test entries are ignored, aswell as duplicate entries from the same crew, and silly entries. When these have been taken off, the rest are charged for. Note that all entries count, whether they end up starting the event or not.

Are there any extra charges?

If you use the standard system, there are no extra charges. Almost everyone uses the standard system, as it is written to cope with almost all types of event. However, if you need the system to do something which it doeasn't already do, I am quite happy to modify the system specially for your event. This would incur a cost, which we'd agree before work starts. If the modification seems likely to be popular with other events, I'll usually discount the charges by around half.

When and how do we pay?

After entries have closed, you'll be sent an invoice by e-mail, which you can pay by cheque, Bank Transfer or Paypal.

What about support for the system?

The author and maintainer of the system is Matthew Atkinson, whc has been a Clerk of the Course of both Single and Multi-Venue Stage Rallies, and a Road Rally, for 15 years, and is a licensed MSA Clerk of the Course. He is also a computer specialist by profession. If the system does go wrong (which is unlikely), it will usually be fixed within a few hours at most.

Okay, I'm convinced, what do I do next?

Either drop Matthew Atkinson an e-mail at or telephone me on 01482 876400 in the evenings. Urgent queries can also get me on my mobile on 07970 264094.